Eider Duck by danob

Photography • Creatures • posted on Mar 02, 2008

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Description

The eider is one of the most numerous sea ducks in the world with the European population estimated at about 2 million. On the Northumberland coast the eider population is currently between 1,500-2,000 nesting birds. And indeed is regarded as the first bird in the world to have been given conservation protection, thanks to St Cuthbert, an early Northumbrian saint, who offered eiders sanctuary on the Farne Islands in the seventh century. A fitting symbol of conservation, and known locally asa Cuddis duck, its little wonder that the friendly eider has been chosen as the logo for the Northumberland coast. Eiders can be found along the entire Northumberland coastline, particularly in harbours, sheltered bays and on Northumberland rugged islands. The two main other sites are the Farne Islands, and Coquet Island, their southern-most nesting site on the east coast of England. A small number of birds also nest on the mainland within Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. The eider is broad in appearance with a distinctive wedge-shaped head and greenish-grey bill, making identification easy. The breeding plumage of the male (drake) is boldly black and white with a rose tinted breast and pale green feathers at the back of the neck (nape). A characteristic white patch on the flank of the male also helps identification. Young male eiders will moult several times before reaching full adult plumage in their second year. During this time these juveniles appear rather mottled brown and white. From a distance the female plumage appears drab but a closer look reveals a beautifully intricate barred pattern of light and dark brown feathers. This equips the bird with a camouflage that blends with its surroundings, a useful adaptation at nesting time Thanks for looking and any comments on a European tour for the next few days so my comments may be a little haphazard for a few days..